Authors at Architectural Digest have curated a list of the world’s most luxurious trains, both those still running and those that have found new purposes. These carriages feature white tablecloths, silverware, and marble baths, resembling five-star hotels on wheels!
Andean Explorer
Peru
Experience one of the great scenic railway journeys aboard the Andean Explorer by Belmond, which travels through the Peruvian Andes. This beautiful train offers the most luxurious suite with a double bed, sitting area, and bathroom adorned with local stone. Each of the 35 suites comes equipped with built-in oxygen tanks and masks to help passengers avoid altitude sickness, making it one of the top scenic railway trips in the world.
Train Suite Shiki-shima
Japan
The Japanese Train Suite Shiki-shima, with its modern minimalist design, is one of the most luxurious trains globally. This top train runs through the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions and offers 17 exclusive sleeping accommodations. The best are in the two-story seventh carriage, featuring traditional elements and a standout wooden bath made from 300-year-old cypress, providing a unique blend of heritage and luxury.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
France
The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express by Belmond is a beautiful train that continues to whisk passengers across various routes—Paris, London, Rome, and Amsterdam. This scenic railway trip includes the annual five-day Paris-Istanbul journey and a new winter route to the French Alps from Paris. With original carriages dating back to 1926 and newly added suites, this train remains one of the most luxurious in the world.
InterContinental Khao Yai
Thailand
Located in Thailand, the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is housed in repurposed carriages that hadn’t been used for over 50 years. These antique carriages have been transformed into luxurious suites with Thai silk decor and spacious terraces, some featuring open-air baths and pools. This resort offers a great scenic railway journey experience within a stationary setting, reflecting the area’s history as a crucial railway hub.
Orient Express by Accor
France
Accor is launching its own Orient Express in 2025, featuring 17 original carriages recently discovered on the Poland-Belarus border. These historical carriages are being restored and reimagined in a maximalist style using velvet, mahogany, mirrors, and mother-of-pearl accents, promising one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world.
Kruger Shalati
South Africa
Set in the wild beauty of Kruger National Park, South Africa, Kruger Shalati is a hotel in a train parked on the abandoned Selati Railway Bridge. Originally built in 1912, this unique hotel features 31 rooms with calming natural tones, large baths, and enormous windows offering stunning views. It provides a beautiful train experience that pays homage to the history of railway travel in the region.
